Spring corn planting still sputters in key states

ST. LOUIS — Efforts by the nation's corn growers to get their crops planted in key grain states continue to sputter.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says just 6 percent of this year's corn crop is in the ground. That compares to the average of 14 percent over the previous five years and 4 percent a year ago, when one of the wettest springs on record got farmers in many states off to the slowest start in decades.

The sluggish start to corn season is especially pronounced in key farming states. Illinois growers have planted just 5 percent, while Iowa is at just 2 percent and Nebraska is at 4 percent.

The USDA says corn sowing traditionally is in full swing from this time through May 23.